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| Panchayat members may boycott LC elections | | | early times report
Jammu/Srinagar, Nov 14: In a development that may have far reaching political consequences, the elected panches and sarpanches are likely to call for boycott of the forthcoming elections to state legislative council from their quota. The elections are scheduled to be held on December 3. The last date for filing nominations is November 17. Candidates can withdraw their candidature up to November 19.
The elected panchayat members believe that the election is a futile exercise if the threre tier panchayat system is not put in place. They are aghast over failure of the government to release honorarium in their favour. They also want empowerment.
The general secretary of the Jammu Kashmir Panchayat Conference (Jammu Chapter) said the apex body of the organization comprising 38 members has decided not to vote in the elections.
However, the organization will take a final decision on participation when candidature is announced. If panches and sarpanches are given mandate, the COnfernce may consider taking part in the exercise. Each panch or sarpanch will cast two votes - one each for two candidates of his region.
Imtiaz Beg who heads the Kashmir Chapter of the Conference has expressed similar views. He has accused the government of betrayal. He is likely to decide in favour of boycott. However, according to him, 10-15% members may still vote.
The ruling coalition of National Conference (NC) and Congress has decided to field candidates on two-two seats -- both will field one candidate each in Jammu region and Kashmir Valley.
Other main opposition parties have decided to field candidates in all the four seats - two of Jammu region and two of Kashmir Valley.
The BJP and the Panthers Party will contest all the seats. Both these parties are Jammu centric and have their areas of influence in this region only.
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) spokesman Naeem Akhtar said the PDP has no choicer but to field its own candidates on all the sets. He expressed dismay over the system.
The United Forum of Pancxhes and Sarpanches, however, has decided to contest the elections. The Forum is likely to field candidates on all the four seats.
Of 36 seats in state legislative council six (four from Panchayat quota and two from local bodies) are lying vacant. The electoral college comprising elected panches and sarpanches has a total of 33,540 votes -- Jammu region 15,628 and Kashmir Valley 17,912. The exercise was last held in1974.
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